On eagle’s wings

They say that when you are about to embark on a challenge, you summon the eagle. History tells us that the native Indians saw the eagle as a symbol of great strength, leadership and vision. Throughout history, many great empires, from Babylon to Egypt, in Rome and in the United States, the eagle reflected the same vision. If I may say so, the book of Revelation itself speaks of the eagle as a symbol of salvation. On the side of trivia, the eagle is said to have eyes eight times sharper than that of any human and provide a wide range of view and, when one is described to have eagle eyes, it is meant to connote one’s keen observation.

Of all the winged creatures in the world, the eagle is the chief and a spiritual connection between man and the eagle is always portrayed in the divine, being symbolic of seasons and even rebirth. Psalm 91 teaches us that God raises us on eagle’s wings and holds us in the palm of his hand. This psalm that we often hear soldiers recite, even to the extent of writing it on tanks, proves our deep belief in a powerful force that never leaves us, especially in the most difficult times of our lives.

Growing up, my parents had a painting hung on their bedroom wall of three birds flying in a very blue sky and I will never forget how my children and I reflected on this painting during a crisis. My mother used to always tell me then that one day, my children and I would soar and that the journey will be worth it. Twelve years later, I am beginning to believe my mother with the understanding that it is only a matter of time.

The eagle is a larger than any kind of bird. When we see one, we appreciate its boldness and its power yet, at the same time, we also understand – and perhaps maybe it is just in our subconscious mind – that as human beings, we have within ourselves the ability to take flight according to our purpose. Life teaches us that we ought not to surrender to adversity and instead, be champions in adversity. The eagle is a fearless hunter; it will never surrender to its prey and it will always put up a fight. Certainly, when we speak of determination, we can always look up to the eagle to never give up. Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” To be bold is to be strong and courageous and never be willing to give up.

What we do and what we think determines our character; it also means that we should be grounded while we pursue our valiant efforts. Eagles remain focused and God gives us the ability to move even when our strength is gone. They say that leaders are very much like eagles. They don’t flock, you find them one at a time. The same goes for how we conquer our life’s purpose… we go day by day one step at a time.

Don’t be a parrot in life, I read somewhere before… a parrot talks too much while an eagle is silent and has the will power to touch the sky. Our journey in life is ours alone and while we are blessed to have people by our side, it takes strong will to catapult ourselves into our purpose. We not only need to be brave, we also need to be bold. It is not easy and takes a lot of introspection and many times, we will hurt. But that is what pain can teach us as we learn to rise above our burdens. So just when we think that the circumstances of life make it impossible, remember that God gives us the ability to soar and on eagle’s wings, we can. Si se Puede.